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What would cause rear brakes to get abnormally hot and smell like burnt rubber after a break change on 1995 240sx?

1. Caliper piston not fully retracted:

Make sure the piston is fully retracted before reinstalling the brake caliper.

Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to retract the piston.

_Potential Solution:_

* Inspect and clean the caliper piston and bore.

* Lubricate the piston with high-temperature brake grease.

* Ensure that the caliper is properly aligned with the rotor.

2. Brake caliper guides/bolts seized or damaged:

This can cause the caliper to bind and not release the brake pads properly, resulting in overheating and burning of the brake pads.

Inspect the caliper bolts/ guides for damage or corrosion.

_Potential Solution:_

* Clean and lubricate the caliper slide pins or guide bolts with high-temperature brake grease.

* If the bolts or guides are damaged, replace them.

3. Faulty brake hose:

A faulty brake hose can cause the brake fluid to not flow properly, resulting in the brakes not releasing fully and causing the brake pads to overheat. Inspect the brake hose for kinks, cracks, or obstructions.

_Potential Solution:_

* Inspect and replace the brake hose if it is damaged or kinked.

* Ensure that the hose is properly routed and not kinked.

4. Binding or dragging brake pads:

Make sure the brake pads are properly seated in the caliper and not binding or dragging on the rotor.

_Potential Solution:_

* Clean and lubricate the brake pad contact points with high-temperature brake grease.

* Check for any debris or foreign objects that may be causing the pads to hang up.

5. Incorrectly installed or damaged brake pads:

Incorrectly installed or damaged brake pads can cause them to overheat and burn.

Inspect the brake pads to make sure they are the correct size and type for your vehicle.

_Potential Solution:_

* Ensure that the brake pads are properly seated in the caliper and are not damaged.

* If the pads are damaged, replace them.

6. Master Cylinder Issues:

A failing master cylinder may cause brake fluid to be constantly flowing to the rear calipers, resulting in overheating and glazing of the brake pads.

Inspect the fluid level in the master cylinder and check for leaks.

_Potential Solution:_

* Check the master cylinder for leaks and replace it if necessary.

7. Proportioning valve:

A faulty proportioning valve can cause uneven distribution of brake fluid, leading to the rear brakes being over-pressurized.

Inspect the proportioning valve for leaks or obstructions.

_Potential Solution:_

* Replace the proportioning valve if necessary.

8. Brake Fluid Issues:

Using old, contaminated, or low-quality brake fluid can cause the fluid to boil, leading to brake fade and overheating.

Check the brake fluid quality and level.

_Potential Solution:_

* If necessary, flush and replace the brake fluid with fresh, DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.